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Facts

Low Top

Extremely popular sneakers because of their price range, versatility when it comes to style, and freedom of movement. Almost everyone is guaranteed to have low-top sneakers in their shoe rotation.

Mid Top

Mid-top sneakers extend toward the ankle for a little more support and hold. These lie somewhere in the middle between low-top and high-top sneakers in terms of usage and popularity.

High Top

Sneakers with collars that go above the ankles for optimal hold and support are some of the most sought-after models in lifestyle shoes. Most of these shoes take their roots from basketball and have easily or fashionably crossed to mainstream wear.

Good to know

Regardless of cut, it's always good to start with sneakers that can be worn for the daily grind, also called as "beaters" by some, as these are usually cheaper, easy to clean, and still gives that lifestyle "edge" before going for those wallet-thinning models.

Sports

Sneakers dominantly take their heritage from running, basketball, skate, tennis, training, hiking, and football. Still retaining a few of their performance-based technologies, these sneakers have transcended their respective niches and have successfully and popularly transformed themselves as staples of fashion footwear.

Casual

Sneakers designed for a laidback, "cool" vibe that is built for lifestyle wear right from the get-go.

Good to know

Brands are now blending elements of performance and casual appeal in basically every sneaker. One can hardly go wrong with a sports-inspired sneaker or a simple casual shoe.

Summary

We spent 9.5 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what sneaker fanatics think:

12
reasons to buy

The Nike Sock Dart on feet is very light.

Extremely comfortable is a typical comment from a large number of reviewers.

It is one of the most stylish shoes in the market, according to many commenters.

About its sock-like nature, Nike Sock Dart shoes work as advertised.

A handful loved that the slip-on shoe is very flexible.

Most buyers commented that it fits true to size.

The Nike Sock Dart is available in multiple color variations.

The Sock Dart sneaker is customizable.

A few purchasers of the casual Nike Sock Dart used it for running.

More than several reviewers received compliments because of this sneaker.

Several wearers who are up on their feet for a right amount of time appreciated its cushioning.

Many users like that it is easy to put on and off for those with an on the go lifestyle.

3
reasons not to buy

More than a handful of wearers complained that the upper material is too thin.

The price tag of the Nike Sock Dart shoe was too steep for several people.

Some users felt the casual Nike Sock Dart lacked the durability for a shoe of this price.

Bottom line

The Nike Sock Dart is a versatile shoe that lives up to its sock-like performance. With a very flexible upper that molds well to the foot, this shoe mixes performance and lifestyle with ease. Nike’s penchant for producing sneakers that are catchy, unique, and very comfortable are all proudly found in this shoe. However, some negative remarks on the casual Nike Sock Dart shoes have primarily focused on the thin upper material raising questions on its durability. Nevertheless, despite these concerns, the comfy Sock Dart remains to be one of the most sought-after sneakers from the Swoosh brand.

Nike Sock Dart History

The idea behind the Nike Sock Dart started much earlier than its actual production. In 1984, Bill Bowerman, one of Nike’s co-founder, commissioned the HTM trio of Mark Parker, Hiroshi Fujiwara, and Tinker Hatfield to come up with a shoe that fits the description of “sock with a sole.”

From the creative minds of these three innovative individuals came the existence of the Nike Sock Racer. Two decades after the Sock Racer was released in 1984; the Nike Sock Dart came into being like a novel and technologically-advanced version of the venerable sneaker.

The Nike Sock Dart was the first shoe that successfully incorporated a full and one-piece upper made of knitted material. The Flyknit was practically unveiled to the public in this shoe. As such, this is the forerunner of the running shoes that have made their mark as a sneaker with a sock-like design that molds better to the foot than any other previous material.

To keep the fit secured and personalized, a perforated plastic midfoot wrap that is also adjustable is added to the design. Nike has made adjustments with every release but has virtually kept the basic design and construction of the original Nike Sock Dart.

Design Inspiration

Before the 2004 release of the Nike Sock Dart, innovative shoe designers began working on the new model after encountering a machine that can customize socks as the team worked on the Dimensional Support System project.

After designers were able to come up with a foot map for the Nike Sock Dart, developer John Hurd came up with the idea of creating a 3D mold for collar foam. Soon, after that, they were able to complete the Dimensional Support System. Hurd also incorporated a TPU that had stretch for a dynamic midfoot and a mushroom head-inspired enclosure to pull the midfoot strap.

Another designer tasked to ensure that the Nike Sock Dart sneaker stayed true to its minimalist design was Mark Smith. He helped finalize the construction of the heel for added cushioning and impact protection.

Nike Sock Dart Releases

Fast forward to 2004; the Nike Sock Dart has continued to amaze us with beautiful aesthetics and dependable features. Among the favorite colorways of the brand include the minimalist Nike Sock Dart in black, Nike Sock Dart in white, Nike Sock Dart in grey, and Nike Sock Dart in red. Other updates of the Sock Dart include color blocking improvements.

The Nike Sock Dart SE was reintroduced in the summer of 2016. Compared to the OG Sock Dart, the Summer Edition sneaker had a more stretchy and breathable knit material perfect for the hot season. An improved and elevated version is the Nike Sock Dart SE Premium was launched on the same year carrying a strikingly futuristic design, premium materials like a woven upper fabric that is breathable and flexible, and a better sock-like fit.

Another variant in the Nike Sock Dart range is the Nike Sock Dart QS. In April 2017, Nike reintroduced the Sock Dart silhouette in four colorways with an elephant skin print in the upper that was first used in the Nike Air Safari in 1987. The Quickstrike release also stayed true to the minimalist theme of the model but with a beautiful elephant print on the stretchy upper. The Quickstrike release was also launched in time for the US Independence Day celebrations and as part of the Safari Pack where it was released in three colorways.

One other iteration in the Sock Dart line of sneakers is the Nike Sock Dart GPX N7. These shoes were made in partnership with the N7 Fund retailer brand that gave a remarkable design composed of geometric prints and gradient effect. The model also aims to pay homage to the Aboriginal and Native American communities in the United States and Canada. The Nike Sock Dart GPX N7 has also improved on the soles of the silhouette by incorporating a Duralon rubber outsole with BRS 1000 for added traction and durability while also complimenting on the comfortable Phylon midsole cushioning.

As the company further aims to please its millions of loyal fans especially those from tropical countries, the brand released the Nike Sock Dart Breathe with bright summer colors with a breathable textile upper. The breathable version of the sneaker in the Sock Dart range allows wearers from warmer countries to sport the design without worrying about heat build-up on the top and experience less fatigue with a fresh interior because of the well-ventilated material.

Nike Sock Dart Style

The modern and sleek look of the Nike Sock Dart shoes is tailor-made for a sporty getup. It should be a no-brainer for a casual foray with jeans, shorts, or chinos. Sneaker enthusiasts who are looking for a stylish and catchy companion should give this shoe a perfect look.

The easy on and off or slip-on feature of the Nike Sock Dart shoes makes it a perfect travel companion. Many travelers have attested to how the Sock Dart is a high travel sneaker since it has breathable upper, lightweight construction, and comes with ample cushioning needed to endure long walks while exploring new places.

The sporty vibe of the Nike Sock Dart has also made this sneaker a gym rat’s go-to kicks since it has a breathable and flexible upper material and just the right support from the midfoot strap. The flexibility of the top material makes it easy for fitness enthusiasts to do several stretches and manage a few minute s of run in a treadmill.

Meanwhile, here are some styling suggestions to rock the sock-like fit of the casual Nike Sock Dart sneaker:

Athletic or relaxed walking shorts paired with a t-shirt are the best options to wear. Long denim jeans are also great mix-and-match options for the men’s Nike Sock Dart shoes. The Nike Sock Dart sneakers are also best worn with joggers as well as track pants for that athleisure look that is trending nowadays. Most wearers use the Nike Sock Dart typically for daytime activities.

Women’s Nike Sock Dart is also easy to pull off and style. Since most women want vibrant colorway variations of the sneaker, it is best paired with skimpy shorts and compression leggings for that straight out of the gym or sporty look. Women may also opt to wear the Nike Sock Dart with an athletic short or yoga pants for that cool fitness swagger. Many yoga enthusiasts like to wear these shoes as the slip-on design allows for easy removal and provides for easy entry after exercise.

Fit & Sizing

As with most sock-like kicks, the Nike Sock Dart shoes offer a customized fit for the user. The soft mesh upper caters to a wide variety of foot styles. A molded midfoot strap that helps with a personalized fit also functions as the main midfoot hold. The midfoot strap aids well in securing the middle section of the feet by tightening or loosening the translucent belt. The Nike Sock Dart men’s is available from sizes 4 to 14 while the women’s Nike Sock Dart is from 5 to 12. One problem, however, is that the Nike Sock Dart is not offered in half-sizes, so it is better actually to fit the shoe in person for the right fitting.

Notable Features

Quite simply, the very conspicuous molded plastic midfoot cage with perforations for a personalized fit stands as a very notable feature in the Sock Dart. The twofold purpose of this midfoot cage is to support and hold the shoe since it is a slip and forget type of footwear. For those who do their runs in this low-top shoe, the midfoot cage of the Nike Sock Dart is an indispensable element. It keeps the foot in place, mainly when making turns.

As a cross between a lifestyle shoe and performance wear, the plastic midfoot cage of Nike Sock Dart shoes is used by Nike and other collaborators to bring preferred styles to the fore. The latest incarnations from Nike see this plastic midfoot cage taking on the color of the entire upper for a monochromatic look.

In some instances, mostly with collaborators, the midfoot cage is often the centerpiece of their platforms. The area of the tongue just on top of the edge of this midfoot cage is now branded with the Swoosh for a more performance-oriented look in the Nike Sock Dart sneaker.

Of course, the running-inspired Nike Sock Dart would not be complete without its very flexible and sock-like upper. Since the prior version of the shoe practically brought about the Flyknit material, this regular model still offers a breathable, stretchy, and glove-like fit for sneaker fans.

Put together; these elements give the Nike Sock Dart the essence of its now very famous silhouette. Minus the other, the shoe practically loses an essential feature that its thousands of fans have come to love truly.

Additional Info

Complex called the Nike Sock Dart as the Best Sneaker in 2015.

Victor Cruz, a professional American football player, was one of the celebrities seen wearing this shoe.

A full-length Phylon cushioning runs the entire length of the midsole for a comfortable wearing experience.

It has been released in different colorways and various collaborations since its inception.

The plastic midfoot cage acts as the main feature in keeping the foot secure and supported.

Moderate padding covers the ankle collar and tongue for more in-shoe comfort.

Nike utilizes substantial vertical and horizontal flex grooves for exceptional flexibility. These grooves help allow the foot to control movement instead of the shoe controlling the foot.

With a slight increase in price, customers can get their preferred colors and materials with Nike’s customization program.

The Nike Sock Dart can be customized through Nike iD.

In support of the LGBT community, a Nike Sock Dart release came out as part of the #BeTrue collection.